Oahu has everything you could possibly look for in a travel destination. Oahu has beaches that stretch for miles as well as spots of historical importance, like Pearl Harbor. Visit Oahu Island and soak in the unique culture of Hawaii. You can also take part in fun activities like kayaking, sailing, hiking, surfing, and more. Before you go, read this guide in its entirety. It covers everything you need to know, like popular spots to visit, traveling tips, and necessary information about travel insurance.

Before leaving for Oahu, make sure that you buy a visitors medical insurance or a travel insurance plan. It can act as a safety net against unexpected expenses due to medical emergencies or sudden cancellations.

Oahu's Most Popular Places to Visit

Diamond Head State Monument

The Diamond Head State Monument is the most-visited spot in Oahu. You can hike to the edge of the volcano by taking the Diamond Head Trail. Visit the Diamond Head Lighthouse to enjoy a panoramic view of the Oahu Island. Diamond Head served as a part of the coastal artillery defense system during the Second World War. You can explore the intriguing history of this place while exploring.

Byodo-In Temple

The Byodo-In Temple was built as a replica of a Buddhist Temple in Japan. Visit this serene temple for a chance to view its unique architecture. The fact that scenes from the TV series "Lost" were shot here might interest you.

Kailua Beach Park

Enjoy clear blue waters and miles and miles of fine white sand at the Kailua Beach Park. It is perfect for enjoying a day on the beach with your family. You can swim or kayak in the waters. However, be aware that the waters are home to jellyfish. If you see a warning posted, avoid that area.

Waimea Valley

Hike through the lush terrain of the Waimea Botanical Park to reach the Waimea Valley. The view of the waterfall cradled by hills is breathtakingly beautiful. The Waimea Valley Gardens also hosts many workshops and presentations on Hawaiian culture for you to enjoy.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and learn about the history of the Pearl Harbor attack. The memorial commemorates all those who lost their lives during the surprise attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy that took place on December 7th, 1941, which caused the U.S. to enter World War II. There is no charge to visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

Key Guidelines for Travelers in Oahu

Prepare for Higher Costs

Since Hawaii is a group of islands, and not part of a mainland, essential commodities like gas and food are going to, of course, be more expensive. However, there are still budget options available. Just check prices and alternative options for various goods or services when you start planning your trip.

Start Your Day Early

Oahu is a small island which is the heart of Hawaii. Thus, it experiences heavy traffic throughout the day. It is a good idea to start your day early so that you can make the best of the daylight while sightseeing.

When to Visit

Summer is the warmest season for the Islands. If you prefer to visit when temperatures are not quite as hot, we would recommend planning your visit during the spring or winter seasons, which tend to be the most popular tourist seasons for that reason. You may also visit during the fall if you want to avoid crowds. The weather is mostly pleasant, but there is a chance of rainfall.

Transportation

You may need to rent a car to get around the island. There are several local agencies from which you can rent a car. However, you will need to pay parking fees at the spots you visit, as well as any applicable fees for overnight parking.

Book Travel Insurance Plans

Before you set out on your journey to Oahu, buy a visitors medical insurance plan or a trip cancellation insurance plan. This is a smart move that can save you from spending more money than necessary on medical emergencies or sudden cancellations.

Visitors Medical Insurance for Travelers in Oahu - FAQs

While preparing for a trip, it is important to keep every possibility in mind. We hope that you do not encounter a medical emergency while traveling. However, if one does occur, a visitors medical insurance plan will allow you to seek the best treatment without worrying about the hospital bill.

Why buy visitors medical insurance before traveling to Oahu?

You will explore a lot of the island on foot. Since the weather can be very warm and humid, there is always a risk of dehydration. You may also have an accident while surfing or swimming. Even if you only have a minor illness or injury, treatment will be very costly at a private medical facility. To avoid the shock of huge treatment costs for a very minor or manageable injury, purchase visitors medical insurance.

What should I look for in my Oahu visitors medical insurance?

1. Are you planning to participate in adventurous activities? If you are, go for a plan which covers all the activities you are going to take part in. You may have to purchase an additional adventurous sports rider designed to cover the added risks of this kind of pursuit.
2. If you have a pre-existing condition, some plans offer acute onset benefits for certain unexpected and sudden emergencies related to pre-existing conditions. This may be a benefit to look into if needed.
3. There may be plans which include special provisions for children. If you are traveling with your family, go for such a plan.

Private medical facilities in the U.S. are costly. Your hospital bill could easily amount to thousands of dollars. To make sure that you do not suffer monetary losses due to medical emergencies, buy a visitors medical insurance plan.

Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers in Oahu - FAQs

Oahu is an exotic and expensive destination. Visiting Oahu requires planning, including booking your flights and hotels in advance. If you have an unavoidable emergency and need to cancel your trip, you may lose a large amount of money you spent on these advance deposits. To avoid this, be sure you have trip cancellation insurance.

Why should I get trip cancellation insurance for my Oahu travel?

Trip cancellation insurance could reimburse you for the full cost of your prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel for a reason included in your policy's certificate wording. Be sure to read the fine print (before purchase!) for a thorough understanding of what scenarios are and aren't covered. The most common reasons for cancellation—including work emergencies, falling ill before your trip starts, or weather-related cancellations or delays—are usually covered under a basic trip cancellation insurance policy.

What should I look for in my Oahu trip cancellation insurance?

1. Choose a trip cancellation insurance plan that offers coverage for cancellation due to natural calamities and disasters.
2. Your trip cancellation insurance plan should offer coverage for lost or stolen baggage, valuable items, and personal documents.
3. You may need to cut your trip short once you're already there. Be sure your policy includes trip interruption coverage to cover the added expense if you end up having to leave early for a covered reason.

Once you buy a travel insurance plan, you won't have to lose nearly as much money if you have to cancel your trip due to an emergency. Before you book your plan, read through its certificate wording to make sure it offers coverage for everything you need. Be sure to insure the full cost of your trip and to purchase the plan before the need to cancel arises.

Before You Travel to Oahu: Do This

You are almost prepared for your trip to Oahu. Consider these last-minute tips before you start your journey.

1. The tickets to Pearl Harbor are free, but they sell out quickly. Consider booking your tickets to Pearl Harbor before you start your trip.
2. Spend a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Explore the food, culture, music, dance, and other traditions.
3. Before you go, buy adequate travel insurance or visitors medical insurance coverage so that you and your travel companions can focus on the fun while your travel insurance company handles your emergency expenses.

DISCLAIMER: The information within this article is intended as a broad summary of benefits and services and is meant for informational purposes only. The information does not describe all scenarios, coverages or exclusions of any insurance plan. The benefits and services of an insurance plan are subject to change. This is not your policy/certificate of insurance. If there is any discrepancy between the information in this article and the language of your policy/certificate wording, the language of the policy/certificate wording will prevail.